October 30, 2024

Making the RBC Training Ground Top 100 is an impressive feat in and of itself, but in addition, Isaiah Richter will also be attending the event as Saskatchewan’s lone representative on November 2, in Nova Scotia.

Richter, a Regina squash player, joined more than 2,000 other athletes ranging in age from 14 to 25 in testing their speed, strength, power and endurance at provincial events across the country. The initial program assessed overall athletic abilities, so an evaluation of skill could be conducted by the 12 National Sport Organizations who partner with RBC Training Ground.

“RBC Training Ground has been a huge opportunity and bit of encouragement for myself and athletes like me, who want to participate in the Olympics or at least continue competing at a high level,” shared Richter.

The RBC Training Ground provincial qualifier held in Saskatoon allowed Richter to set his expectations for the November final. He knew walking into the initial event that he would exceed in the 40-metre sprint, but from there, it was a whole new experience.

“Once you get there, you realize you can’t just train for that benchmark, you always have to aim above because after you do two or three events you are tired, so you have to step it up for the ones ahead,” said Richter.

His motivation to score above the various tests’ benchmarks has pushed him through the last few months of preparation.

“I’ve been doing lots of training leading up to the event, I’m really excited to showcase my skills and athletic ability.”

Now ahead of attending the Nova Scotia final, Richter has gained more understanding of the process and will apply his 11 years of experience, including his attendance of the 2023 Canada Winter Games at Prince Edward Island.

“I had a lot of fun at the Canada Winter Games competing with my teammates and training squad. It was a great opportunity to compete at a high level with other provinces. It’s always fun to represent my province on the national stage,” shared Richter.

From representing his province at the Canada Games, to now representing his province once more in Nova Scotia, Ritcher has set his focus on qualifying for RBC Olympic funding to potentially fuel his 2028 Olympic dream.

 I’m trying to get as much exposure as possible at high-level events against high level players. I’m learning as much as I can and putting what I learn into practice.”